Being the son of a sporting legend comes with an astronomical level of scrutiny, and for Arjun Tendulkar, the shadow of his father, Sachin Tendulkar, is something he has lived with since he first picked up a cricket bat. However, in a recent candid interaction, the young all-rounder stepped out of that shadow to discuss his personal inspirations and his journey in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

When pressed to name a cricketing idol other than his father, Arjun didn’t hesitate. He picked the legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

Explaining his choice, Arjun pointed specifically to Yuvraj’s explosive batting style and match-winning capabilities. While he acknowledged that their primary roles differ - Yuvraj was a prolific spin-bowling all-rounder, whereas Arjun is a fast-bowling all-rounder - he noted that the former’s flair and impact on the game were what drew him in.

"Obviously his batting, what else?" Arjun remarked, highlighting the admiration he has for the 2011 World Cup hero.

Arjun also touched upon his time with Mumbai Indians, a franchise deeply intertwined with his father's legacy.

Despite showing glimpses of his potential with the ball, particularly his ability to swing the delivery early on, he spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines. When asked if he felt he deserved more chances at MI, Arjun was refreshingly honest.

He admitted that no athlete enjoys sitting on the bench and that the desire to play is universal. However, he maintained a professional stance, stating that his focus remains on working hard and being ready whenever the next opportunity arises at LSG.

As the IPL 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Lucknow Super Giants utilize Arjun’s skills. For the young cricketer, the goal is simple: ignore the comparisons, embrace the process, and let the performance do the talking.

After spending three seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI), where opportunities to feature in the starting XI were sporadic, Arjun has made a big move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2026 season. The shift marks a fresh start for the left-arm pacer, who is eager to prove his mettle on a new stage.